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Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

Ya know, as much as there is said in this section about the selection of Mac's lights, I think it might be a great idea to list our best advice for making Mac's Customs selections. There are a ton of choices to be made when dreaming up our ideal Mac's light and it can be quite intimidating, especially for a newbie, in deciding what light and what options we want. So, I thought I might share what little I know, as well as provide a place for all of you to share what you know so that it might be a little less daunting for the rest.

I'll be tossing out some tidbits about Tri-EDCs (since that's what I have) but I ask that ya'll (that's a contraction for "you all" here in Alabama) offer whatever tidbits you have about ANY Mac's lights. Here goes...

1. "How much throw does a Tri-EDC have?" I measured my 2.8a neutral XP-G Tri at 3900 lux @ 1m. That's not a little for an EDC and it's not alot. It'll do just fine for most things. My Zebralight SC60 is about 3000, if I recall, and my Zebralight SC600 is about 5800 if that gives you an idea. The Tri-EDC is no doubt a powerhouse but it mostly shows it's muscle in the MASSIVE hotspot that it affords. The "spill" is moderate but the spot is well defined and HUGE compared to most EDCs. This, IMO, is what makes this light so incredible.

2. "Should I get cool white, neutral, or high CRI XP-G Tri?" I have both neutral and, now today, high CRI. The neutral was, until today, by far my favorite tint of any EDC of any brand I have ever owned....that is, UNTIL today. Now I would *HIGHLY* recommend the high CRI. Do not be scared of loosing intensity. I promise, you won't notice the difference. If measured on a meter, it's just a number. Again, you eyes will thank you for the high CRI. I can't stress this enough. DO NOT BE SCARED of the high CRI!!! You owe it to yourself to have one of these. I have owned many cool white EDCs and for no reason would I buy another. In fact, now, I don't know that I'll ever buy another neutral EDC. Opinions vary and this is just mine....so, I'm just sayin' is all.

3. "Should I get the 1.4a or the 2.8a driver?" If you will running IMR cells then by all means get the 2.8a driver. You would be surprised how much light it'll put out on medium which will afford plenty of runtime. You can even get custom programming to get the best of all worlds so do think about that. You can have any levels you want. Custom programming is just a few bucks away and I highly recommend it.

4. On the subject of custom programming... Repeat after me, "I want moonlight mode...I want moonlight mode...I want moonlight mode......Get it? Trust me on this one! Strongly consider the "hybrid" memory programming, especially if you will using one mode (like moonlight) alot. In choosing the levels, consider what kind of runtime v/s output you would like out of your different levels.

5. "What rechargeable cells should I use?" I have done some good discharge testing of the AW IMR 18350 cells and I can tell you that they are EXCELLENT! They hold their voltage exceptionally well under load and actually exceed their rated capacity even at higher loads. Now isn't that a breath of fresh air??? Don't think, just buy 'em. They are the best cells for your 2.8a Mac's light.

6. "Should I consider a copper Mac's EDC or just go with aluminum?" I have both. The aluminum is just fine, really. However, at higher current levels it get's hot FAST! The copper light takes much longer to get hot. The aluminum light will even get quite warm on medium after awhile. Advantages of aluminum? It sheds heat fast (that's why it feels hot so fast), is VERY light weight!, and it's finish doesn't patina like copper (which is desirable to some and not to others.) You will be shocked how lite an aluminum Mac's Tri-EDC feels in the hand and similarly shocked how heavy and SOLID a copper one feels. Myself? I much prefer the sturdy, solid, quality feel of the copper light.

7. Get the glow treatment. Why? Cuz you want it.

8. And absolutely get the crenelated bezel! Put it on moonlight mode with it facestanding (is that a word) and you'll never wonder where on the nightstand your Tri is again. VERY nice!

Ok, that's enough for now but I'm sure I'll have much more to add later.

Re: Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

BTW, his high CRI (or at least the one I have) is warm at 3000k. Don't let that scare you, it really is VERY nice! I never thought I'd like one this warm but it is truly my favorite and not by a small margin. Then again, I was in to incans long before LEDs so maybe I'm biased. The more my LED experience has matured, the more I find myself leaning warmer. It's not just about the highest lumens for me anymore (hey, that's what HID lights are for!)

Re: Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

Ask questions when you need to. It's really hard to find a complete list of available options on these lights anywhere in the subforum, or even explanations of options sometimes, other than a picture. There is a good chance what you are looking for is offered, but you may not know it.

Re: Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

I got my Flucero custom programming straight through Mac. I did work one on one with Flucero in deciding how I wanted it programmed, however, Mac took care of shipping it to him to program. My copper Tri came straight from Mac with the programming already done.

Yes, programming is available and Flucero can do just about anything you want including moonlight. The two drivers he did for me have 5ma (that's <1L) moonlight modes in addition to three other levels.

Re: Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

With a normal memory it always advances to the next level when making a mode change after a memory is programmed. With hybrid memory it will advance to the first level in the sequence upon a mode change.

Heh heh, I see you're exploring another branch of the Custom tree Andy.

Frank put a new board in for me. Up to 9 modes at your choice of current levels, including disco modes, three memory options, three memory timing options. He programs it all just how you ask for it. Saweet.

Re: Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

So if that's the case, do I still specify the emitter types when ordering from Mac? Not quite sure how do I go about with the ordering process. I am just trying to get a grasp on things. At this stage I am not too sure if I like the idea of a short runtime on high, and also not sure if I would like to splurge on the Damascus light.

Guys, i've asked mac to put the 219 emitters in my tri that i ordered. He just started using those and he measured 500 lumens on the stonewashed tri he made. The only thing that was stopping me from buying hi cri lights was the low output.

What do u think this would look like as I only have cool white lights and the only high cri I had was a mule but I traded it coz I wanted higher output

Re: Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

I know this is probably not the place to ask but I hope you guys don't mind a quick question since we are talking about cell types in the Tri EDC. Is there any significance in capacity between 18350 and 16340 IMR? I currently have a dozen IMR 16340 but should I buy IMR 18350 if I were to get a Tri EDC?

Re: Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

Originally Posted by pjandyho

I know this is probably not the place to ask but I hope you guys don't mind a quick question since we are talking about cell types in the Tri EDC. Is there any significance in capacity between 18350 and 16340 IMR? I currently have a dozen IMR 16340 but should I buy IMR 18350 if I were to get a Tri EDC?

Re: Let's list our advice for someone's next Mac's EDC purchase...

Thanks Mac! I will make sure I get a few IMR 18350 if the Damascus deal is on.

Originally Posted by fishhead

I've got a very basic question - how do I currently order a light? I've bought previously from the sale threads, and then
later the website but the website seems to be down?

Anyway, this is not too urgent as my next purchase will be a Damascus light (if it happens). But after that I'd really
like a copper and a stonewashed titanium Tri-EDC.

Also, about tint: I really like the neutral SST-50s and Tri-EDC I have. I'm interested in the HiCRI but found
the 4sevens HiCRI lights a bit too warm. Can anyone comment on how Mac's lights compare?

Thanks.

I am almost certain the Damascus deal will happen. It's a matter of when. Mac can correct me here if I am off track, but I think that Mac should be able to fix us up with Nichia 219 high CRI? It should be a nice neutral tint that is almost near daylight. I am definitely in for the Nichia 219 if that's the case.